How to Listen to and Understand Great Music, 3rd Edition

Brilliant lecturer

Where does How to Listen to and Understand Great Music, 3rd Edition rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?OK well it is difficult to compare a course such as this on concert music with works of classical literature but this is one of the most enjoyable and informative listening experiences I have had so far.What other book might you compare How to Listen to and Understand Great Music, 3rd Edition to, and why?This is only the second educational course I have listened to on Audible - the other being a British history course (see my review). This stands head and shoulders better than the (at times dubious) history course. It is fun, absorbing and the good professor Roberto Monteverdi is great company throughout.Which scene did you most enjoy?I loved the flow of the chronology and the references and comparisons between differing musical styles. There is so much from the series that I intend to go back and explore further. I found the Schoenberg piece in lecture 48 to be completely amazing and I would like to listen to more of this.Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?It made me laugh in places. I liked the professor's Phil Silvers / Officer Dibble delivery style, not at all stuffy or snooty as you might expert from a concert music expert. He is a natural and I would like to listen to more of his lectures. I was moved by the Debussy and Berlioz.Any additional comments?Only one slight grumble. Sibelius was NOT Scandinavian, he was from Finland, hence Nordic. I would have thought that someone as worldly wise and pedantic as Prof G would have known that. Nonetheless, I intend to check out other courses in this series starting with How to Listen to and Understand Great Opera.

The lecturer has passion for the subject and isn't afraid to throw in his opinions. The result is a hugely entertaining tour of music and its history that is both fascinating and entertaining. It doesn't get too technical either, but does provide enough detail to be of interest if you have some music theory under your belt. Recommended for all curious souls.